Florida Private Investigator – Solving Grandparent Scams
It has happened again. My mom just got a call from “her grandson” stating he was involved in an accident. That he hit a pregnant woman with his car and the attorneys are working on it. The caller did not want “Dad” – ME involved. Stating he was embarrassed by the situation. The caller wanted money to give to the attorney. Of course my mother called me to confirm the information and I told her it was a scam.
Below is a blog I posted a couple years ago and it still fits today.
As a Private Investigator in Fort Lauderdale, I have been contacted by many people in reference to possible scams pertaining to the elderly. Whether it is a telephone call from a “grandkid” or a home care provider that is stealing, many need help. For the “typical” home care provider cases, our Fraud Investigation would include:
- Interview with the elderly person, if they are able. Also interview the family members. Sometimes the perpetrator is a family member.
- What was stolen? Jewelry, money, etc. Some items can be tracked through pawn shops and state pawnshop databases.
- Conduct background check on the alleged suspect.
- Contact law enforcement. Bring all information gathered to help in their investigation.
One of the most used “grandparent scam” is when a grandchild calls from out of the country. I got a call last year from a past client, stating that his mother received a call from someone claiming to be “his son.” What the “grandson” stated was that he was in Mexico on vacation with a friend. He was in jail and needed to bond out. And “not to tell dad.” The grandparent wired $2500 through Western Union to a city in Mexico. The grandparent never received a call after this transaction. My client’s mother called and told him the story. And of course the grandson was not out of the country and was in town. She felt foolish, but it happens everyday.
Scammers research a person’s family through the Internet, databases, and social media. They pretend they are a family member in need. Never give money to someone with out checking into the situation first. Call family members to ensure the story in valid.
If you find yourself in this unfortunate situation and are in need of professional services, make sure the Private investigator is experienced in these types of cases.
If you are in need of services in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, or anywhere in Florida, contact a professional investigator.